What primary risk does improperly handled raw butter lettuce pose via Listeria bacteria?
Answer
Listeriosis infection
The main safety concern associated with consuming any raw produce, including butter lettuce, during pregnancy stems from potential external contamination by dangerous microorganisms. Specifically, the presence of the bacterium Listeria can lead to an infection known as listeriosis. This condition is considered particularly hazardous during gestation because it carries the potential for serious complications affecting both the mother and the developing fetus. The medical guidance strongly emphasizes meticulous handling and cleaning procedures to eliminate this specific bacterial threat from the raw vegetable surface before consumption.
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